It was great fun for me to be able to sample some creations from Columbia-area bartenders featuring American Harvest vodka. After some serious deliberation, the winner of that contest (taking first and second place in the judges' category) was Kristian Niemi of Bourbon and Rosso. Niemi's Hayride (a mixture of pecan-infused American Harvest, Strohe Jagertee, and a syrup of Lazy Magnolia Jefferson Stout, maple syrup and orange bitters) took first place and his Adrian Balbos (rosemary-infused American Harvest, cherry liqueur, cherry preserves and Fizz 66) placed second. Joshua Streetman of Motor Supply won the people's choice vote with his Harvest Aviation: American Harvest, Shady Grove Farms lemons and homemade maraschino cherries.

Anyway, after the imbibing was done, I asked bartenders Olando Patterson, manager of Goatfeathers, and Lauren Tebeau, bar manager and event coordinator at The Oak Table, if they would like to share their recipes for some holiday cocktails. Here are their offerings for the season:

* BAD SANTA

4 to 5 ounces eggnog

1 1/2 to 2 ounces Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

Steam the eggnog, rim a standard Irish coffee glass with a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Add Fireball Whiskey to the glass and add the steamed eggnog and froth to the glass and top with whipped cream then dust with more cinnamon.

Garnish: Whipped cream and cinnamon powder

Serves: 1

* YOU'RE NERDY HOT

4 to 5 ounces hot chocolate

1 ounce UV Whipped Cream Flavored Vodka

1/2 ounce Goldschlager

Rim a standard size Irish coffee glass with sugar. Steam your favorite hot chocolate. Add Goldschlager and UV Whipped Cream Vodka to the glass and top with the steamed hot chocolate. Add whipped cream and dust it with cinnamon and chocolate sprinkles.